Automated Cloud Base Height and Wind Speed Measurement Using Consumer Digital Cameras

Abstract

Cloud base height is an important parameter for climate studies as well as aviation safety. Ceilometers or LIDARs can measure this parameter but are usually expensive instruments. In this paper, a low-cost method to measure cloud base height based on consumer digital cameras and stereophotogrammetry is presented. The performance of the system is evaluated by comparison with LIDAR measurements. It is shown that the prototype can also measure the wind speed and direction at cloud height.